A corporation is run for its shareholders. The shareholders own it, and the leaders answer to them.

Here at Hannahville, it doesn’t work that way. Our community’s assets aren’t held by the tribal members. They’re held by the Hannahville Indian Community Financing and Building Authority, which received its federal charter in 1997.

An example: moving the water tower

Look at the decision to move the water tower. That’s community infrastructure, paid for and used by all of us. But how many members were asked? How many knew the cost, the reasons, or who signed off?

When members don’t hold the assets, we don’t get a real say in decisions like that. That gap keeps us from reaching the quality of life Tribal Law allows us.

Questions every member should ask

• What assets does the Authority hold?
• Who makes decisions about them?
• How do those decisions benefit members?

If you don’t know the answers, you’re not alone. Understanding how our organizations are set up is the first step to holding them accountable.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

— Leroy Wandahsega II, Potawatomi Life